Underwater inspections are an essential component of infrastructure maintenance. Water tanks, in particular, require regular inspections to prevent leaks and ensure the safety of the water supply. In the past, these inspections were labor-intensive and often required draining the tank. However, advances in technology have led to the development of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which have revolutionized water tank inspections. Now, many of you may not know about ROVs. To help you out, we thought it would be useful to have a short discussion about ROVs. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, read on as we discuss how ROVs help with water tank inspections.
What is an ROV?
An ROV is a remotely controlled underwater vehicle that can perform a variety of tasks. They are equipped with cameras, lights, and sensors that allow operators to see and collect data from underwater environments. ROVs are used in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, marine science, and now, water tank inspections.
Why Should You Use an ROV for Water Tank Inspections?
Using an ROV for water tank inspections has several advantages over traditional inspection methods. First and foremost, ROVs eliminate the need to drain the tank, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Draining a water tank requires a significant amount of water to be used, as well as a disposal plan for the water. Additionally, draining a tank can cause disruption to the water supply, which can be especially problematic for large cities.
ROVs also allow for more thorough inspections. Traditional inspections often rely on visual inspections from the surface, which can be limited by the angle of the camera and the clarity of the water. ROVs can get up close and personal with the tank’s interior, allowing for a more detailed inspection. The cameras and sensors on the ROV can detect cracks, corrosion, and other issues that may not be visible from the surface.
Finally, using an ROV for water tank inspections can improve safety. Traditional inspection methods often require workers to climb into the tank, which can be dangerous. An ROV eliminates the need for human entry, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
How Do ROVs Work for Water Tank Inspections?
ROVs used for water tank inspections are typically tethered to a control center on the surface. The tether provides power and communication between the ROV and the operators. The ROV is equipped with cameras and lights that allow operators to see inside the tank. The cameras are often high-definition and can be maneuvered to get a better view of specific areas.
In addition to cameras, ROVs can be equipped with sensors that can detect issues such as leaks, corrosion, and other structural problems. Some ROVs can even take measurements of the tank’s interior, such as water level and temperature.
Once the inspection is complete, the data collected by the ROV can be analyzed to determine if any repairs or maintenance is needed. The data can also be used to create a baseline for future inspections, allowing for easier comparison and trend analysis.
Conclusion
ROVs have revolutionized the way water tank inspections are performed. They provide a safer, more efficient, and more thorough inspection than traditional methods. Additionally, they eliminate the need to drain the tank, reducing the cost and disruption to the water supply. As technology continues to advance, it’s likely that ROVs will become even more common in water tank inspections, further improving the safety and reliability of our water supply.
Are you in need of ROV inspections? ATM Tanks are the trusted name in panel tanks. We have been servicing and replacing the government, energy and mining sectors panel tanks for the last 15 years. For more information on what we can do for you, visit our website today!
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